The Bridge Association

The Development of a New Training Unit and Community Facility

The Bridge Association is a key service provider and resource for people with disabilities within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area and beyond. Whilst the core work of the organisation centres on the provision of training and vocational opportunities, the organisation is an important outlet for service users to interact, build relationships and connect to their communities. Thus, Bridge Association has identified a core need to enhance its services further and extend its offering to engage additional beneficiaries, which can only be achieved through the development of a new Training Unit and Community Facility.

Key Milestones

• December 2020 - Planning permission applied for
• May 2021 - Planning approval secured  
• January 2022 - land acquired (Junction One, Antrim)
• February 2022 - ownership of the site officially received

Why is Our Project Needed? 

The growth and development of the organisation over the last number of years has resulted in the current premises being no longer fit for purpose for a number of reasons:

• The facility is too small for our increasing demand - our canteen and staff room are used as a classroom for 50% of the time
• The facility only facilitates use for 1 wheelchair user at a time whilst we require space for 4 wheelchair users
• Bridge Association currently has a waiting list of 15 individuals who wish to access services but are unable to due to space limitations
• As the building is operating at capacity there are additional health and safety implications
• Bridge Association’s lease for the premises has protected rights that dates from 1988 and is currently on a rolling monthly basis. The land of our premises has been sold to a developer and zoned for housing developments. Thus, we cannot stay in the current premises long-term

What Benefits Will Our Project Create?

• Provide modern and fit for purpose facilities that reflect and meet the needs of people with learning disabilities.
• Provide a long-term home for Bridge Association that is self-sustainable and a hub for the local community.
• Reinforce and sustain the future of The Bridge Association to meet current need and the future needs of Adults with Learning Disabilities and community integration.
• Increase the number of trainees that can avail of vocational training from a maximum of 32 per day to 50 per day.
• Enable the enhancement and development of certified courses to meet the current and future needs of trainees.
• Provide more opportunities for trainees to avail of work placement opportunities. 
• Provide affordable space for the local community to access and use for the delivery of community activities and services.
• Provide space for the development and growth of social enterprises that support people with learning disabilities.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

“Founded on the principle that everyone should have the opportunity to mature and develop as an individual to their full potential in all aspects of living including social, educational, occupational and recreational”.

OUR VISION:

HEART of BRIDGE

Humble, Empathetic, Adaptability, Remarkable, and Transparent.

Building, Resilience, Integration, Desire, Growth, and Energy.